Carmel proposal &
engagement photographer.

White sand, cypress, and a town that's been romantic since 1900.

What we love about Carmel for proposals and engagement sessions.

Carmel is the proposal capital of the central coast for a reason. The town itself looks like a movie set, the beach is white sand against turquoise water, and you can walk from the Lone Cypress to Carmel Mission in a single morning. We shoot proposals all along the 17-Mile Drive, on the dunes south of Pebble Beach, at Stewart's Cove when you want privacy. The afternoon light through the cypress branches is the shot most people picture when they imagine a Carmel proposal.

Destinations we shoot around Carmel.

7 spots we actually shoot around Carmel, ordered by how much work we’ve done at each. Stewart's Cove alone accounts for 982 of the engagement photos below. Every one has its own page with the access details, and the ones we get asked about most have a full Carmel and Big Sur proposal guide.

Stewart's Cove

On the south end of Carmel-by-the-Sea, just past the river mouth. If you're driving up from Big Sur or down from Monterey, exit Highway 1 at Carmel Valley Road and head west on Scenic Road.

CoastBeachCoveRock FormationsTidal Pools

982+ engagement photosSee more →

Carmel Beach

At the foot of Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. White-sand crescent lined with Monterey cypress on the bluff above, west-facing sunset light, walking distance to all downtown restaurants and hotels. Off-leash dog-friendly — one of the only major California beaches that allows it.

CoastBeachCypressSunsetPet-Friendly

187+ engagement photosSee more →

Carmel Meadows Trail

A short coastal-bluff trail connecting Carmel River State Beach to Monastery Beach, winding through coastal scrub and meadowland with constant ocean views. A favorite stretch for ceremony-plus-portrait sessions that don't want to commit to a single spot.

CoastBluffsTrailMeadow

151+ engagement photosSee more →

Point Lobos

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Famously dramatic coast, naturally-occurring Monterey cypress, Whaler's Cove, China Cove, Bird Island.

CoastReserveCypressCoveIconic

85+ engagement photosSee more →

Lover's Point Park

At the tip of the Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove. A 5-acre coastal park with rocky shoreline, small beach, gazebo, and tidepools. Sea otters in the kelp beds; cypress scattered through the grass picnic areas. Walk-up access, no hike required.

CoastParkRocky ShoreCypressTidepools

59+ engagement photosSee more →

Proposal Trail

Local nickname for the bluff trail at Garrapata State Park between Soberanes Point and Whale Peak. Wildflowers in spring, cypress-framed coves, no entry fee. The most-used surprise-proposal spot in our archive.

CoastCliffsTrailWildflowers

35+ engagement photosSee more →

Ghost Tree at Pescadero Point

An iconic weathered cypress on Pescadero Point along Carmel's 17-Mile Drive, surrounded by granite outcrops and crashing surf. Private feel despite being on a paid scenic road. Best for sunset sessions — gates close after dark.

CoastCliffsCypress17-Mile Drive

28+ engagement photosSee more →

1. 1

   I text you.

   Once you book a call, I'll text you personally within minutes during Pacific time business hours. Most proposals are planned discreetly so text keeps things flexible and all in one place. (Just make sure to mute the thread.)

2. 2

   We narrow down the location.

   If you're unsure where to propose, I'll ask a few simple questions about the vibe (coastal, redwoods, vineyard, urban) and guide you toward strong options. I can send recent proposal galleries from any of our shoot locations for inspiration. Knowing where you're staying/visiting can also narrow down our location options.

3. 3

   You reserve the date.

   Once we've had our initial discovery call, all you need to do is reserve a one hour session. No penalty if plans shift. If I'm already booked, you'll see the "team" option in the hour slots at time of the reservation. I'm still your main point of contact throughout the process, but I'll loop you in with my photographer on a 3-way text feed 24-48hrs before the shoot.

4. 4

   I coordinate with you leading up to the day.

   Text me anytime with questions, adjustments, weather concerns, anything. If the spot has limited cell service I'll send detailed parking instructions, map links, and annotated/interactive satellite imagery so everything feels simple and clear on the big day.

5. 5

   Day-of coordination.

   Send a quick selfie of you both that morning so we know who to look for (we don't want to "stalk" the wrong couple!). Share your location with us via Find My (iPhone) or WhatsApp (Android). We're typically on-site at least 30 minutes early, scouted and ready.

6. 6

   The post-proposal session.

   After the initial proposal, we'll introduce ourselves and guide you through a relaxed engagement session together. 30 to 60 minutes depending on your collection and location(s). You don't need to know how to pose. We'll direct everything in a way that feels natural and fun.

7. 7

   Payment + delivery.

   Payment is due same-day after the shoot. You choose your collection before the photos are delivered. Within 24 hours I'll text you a handful of sneak peeks. Full edited gallery within 7 days. Small retouch requests after delivery are almost always doable. And yes you can pay the difference if you want to upgrade your package after seeing the final gallery.

Ready to plan your Carmel proposal or engagement session?

No deposit. No commitment. We'll plan it together. Payment is due same-day after the shoot. Sneak peeks within 24 hours. Full gallery within 7 days.